Jews Skeptical of Glenn Beck 'Restoring Honor' Rallies in Israel
Jewish Americans and native Israelis have voiced their opinion on conservative pundit Glenn Beck and his “Restoring Honor” rallies in Israel this week.
His recent pronouncements on Judaism have prominent men of the faith skeptical over Beck’s support of Israel with the events.
“I and some in my community have been critical of him and some of his expressions and we have made no secret about our feelings,” said Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League to CNN.
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“We should welcome it and embrace it,” he said of “Restoring Honor”, but added, “I hope he doesn’t make any faux pas, which he’s been prone to do.”
To Beck, “Restoring Honor” is a chance for other countries to embrace the Jewish nation, during a time when it is being widely criticized and threatened internationally.
“There’s an important distinction of saying I love Israel, I defend Israel, and not separating that from the Jewish people,” said Beck at an event on Monday. “Make sure to say not that we only love Israel, but we love the Jewish people as they are.”
Beck recently made comments on Reform Judaism on his radio show that attracted criticism from groups such as the Anti-Defamation League.
Beck stated that Reform rabbis are “generally political in nature.”
“It’s almost like Islam, radicalized Islam in a way,” Beck continued “….radicalized Islam is less about religion that it is politics… When you look at the Reform Judaism, it is more about politics.”
Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League, called Beck’s comments: “Highly offensive and outrageous.”
Beck apologized shortly after for comparing the two faith movements.
However, some conservative politicians in Israel have embraced Beck and his rallies.
“I am very supportive of his initiative,” said Danny Danon, an Israeli parliament member who belongs to the conservative Likud Party to CNN.
“When we see so many attacks against Israel and when we have people coming and standing with Israel it is very important,” he said.
But the leader did not welcome Beck without some skepticism.
“I don’t agree with everything Mr. Beck said in the past and I will not agree with everything that he will say in the future,” said Danon. “But if you take the overall picture in terms of support for Israel… you really have someone who really cares about supporting the state of Israel and supporting the message of the connection of Jews to the land.”
